Tha-lah Read online

  The prison was now a battlefield with convicts trying to escape from the enemy. Those captured were either eaten on the spot or stored for later use. Groo’lat knew Zu’thro’s crew practiced dh’ram, consuming live prey. Aiding the Kreeh-nosh was a ruthless pack of Jog’nafan.

  He didn’t have time to help anyone. Only one thing mattered—rescuing Security Chief Mah’yanna. This would be his last act as a warrior. Bending over, he’d picked up a dead guard’s ro’traal and then hacked his way through the melee.

  Screams of agony mingled with battle cries as the brutal enemy made his way through the prison. Groo’lat’s wound opened again, and his vision blurred. Dense smoke filled the corridors, making it hard to breathe. He thought he saw some warriors fighting, but couldn’t tell which unit they belong to.

  Groo’lat ignored pleas for mercy, running down a darkened corridor. If his memory was correct, there were a couple escape pods in the medical bay. He hoped to find at least one since few people knew about them.

  “Warrior,” a squeaky voice called from the shadows. “I know where you’re heading. Let me come with you and I’ll override the pods’ security locks.”

  Groo’lat turned around and faced Fael, the treacherous Labonian. It didn’t surprise him that the critter knew about them. Fael was an expert hacker, after all.

  “Why would I do that? You deserve to die like the miserable traitor you are,” he ground out, barely looking at the insignificant wretch.

  “Because I know T’zaal’s plans for Security Chief Mah’yanna. You see, he created a new bioweapon, and will use her to test it.”

  He hesitated for a second. “Do you have proof? The word of a dirty Labonian holds no value.” Right now, he didn’t care about anything beyond saving his commanding officer.

  “I have all you need stored in a data module. Just take me with you and you can have it.”

  The slimy critter was trying to negotiate safe passage, because he knew he’d never make it out alive on his own.

  “If you’re lying to me,” his face inches from Fael, “I’ll cut you into little pieces. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Absolutely. We must hurry. She doesn’t have a lot of time.”

  “Stay behind me. I’ll clear the way, but I won’t wait if you can’t keep up.”

  He didn’t give a frackk if the smelly rat got what he deserved. Groo’lat could probably figure out the security lock, but the Labonian would do it faster. That was the only reason he’d agreed to the deal.

  They reached the medical bay, which contained two hidden pods. Designed to evacuate medical personnel in case of attack, they were hidden behind the medical equipment. At the first sign of a takeover, the medics could clear out without leaving their restricted location.

  Evidently, no one had been prepared for what happened, judging by the three dead medics on the floor. The place had been ransacked, and Groo’lat was sure the rest were taken to the Jog’nafan ship.

  “Get to work,” he said, pushing the Labonian toward the hidden door. “If you try anything, I’ll run you through.”

  “No need for that. See, I’m done already.”

  Fael tried to rush to one of the pods, but Groo’lat cut off his head with one swipe. He quickly retrieved the data module from the Labonian’s tunic. Killing an unarmed critter such as that was dishonorable, but then again, he’d none left.

  After stumbling into the empty pod, Groo’lat entered Pra’mm’s coordinates and then prepared for launch. He was bleeding again. All the fighting on his way there had reopened his wound.

  “Activate holo-vid.”

  The recorded confession would exonerate his family and hopefully bring the house of Mal’cious to justice. He wasn’t giving up yet, not until he saw this through.

  Chapter Four

  Pra’mm Station

  Free, she was really free now. This was the beginning of her true destiny. Tha-lah maneuvered the shuttle out of the station’s docking bay. She couldn’t stop the laughter bubbling inside. Her joy was short-lived as the shuttle shook violently, throwing her off the chair. The emergency alarm blared loudly.

  “Warning, an explosion has occurred at the station. We are too close to avoid fragments. Brace for impact.”

  “An explosion?” Tha-lah’s heart raced at the thought of the friends left behind. Were they safe? “AI, open commlink to Mistress Dal’vyaa’s house.”

  “That function cannot be executed at this time.”

  “Explain.

  “The main satellite has been destroyed. I am picking some communications from ships near the area. The station is under attack.”

  “Under attack? By who?” No one was crazy enough to attack a station like Pra’mm.

  “A pack of fifteen Jog’nafans ships are position between the K’luk prison and station.”

  Their sensors picked up two more crafts. Tha-lah couldn’t believe the AI’s report. Two Kreeh-nosh ships were closing in fast. Their target was the prison, but they opened fire on the station as well.

  “Is there anything we can do to help?”

  Pra’mm was vulnerable without their satellites, which left them with short-range weapons only. That meant the enemy had to be at their very door for them to be effective.

  “Negative, we are not equipped with heavy-assault weaponry.”

  “AI, perform a strategic analysis, factoring in all scenarios, and propose the best plan of action.” There had to be something they could do. She wasn’t going to idly stand by, watching her friends die.

  “Analyzing…the best course of action is to conceal ourselves. We can attempt to reach K’luk in a couple hours.”

  “Can we get there safely?” Dozens of ships swarmed the area, trying to get away.

  “They are not under heavy fire. It appears the main targets are the station and prison.”

  “Okay, we’ll wait.” She wasn’t leaving the sector until she was sure her friends were all right.

  How could the Jog’nafan get so close without being detected by the sensor net? Pra’mm had the best detection grid in the galaxies. Their security algorithms were virtually impregnable. Their defenses swift and deadly. Built by the Glaxians, the station was a combination of several technologies—Pendo’rahn, Labonian and K’luk.

  It saddened Tha-lah to think someone had betrayed the Protectorate. One of the first lessons she’d learned upon arriving at Dal’vyaa’s house was everyone had a price. What was the price of duplicity?

  “Sorry to intrude, but I have plotted a course for the planet. I detected a large piece of metal from the station that should mask our signal. I suggest we power down and wait.”

  “Have they spotted us?”

  She couldn’t help the fear that crept into her voice. She’d heard horror stories about the Kreeh-nosh and Jog’nafans. One experimented and consumed their enemies. The other tortured and abused them until they begged for death.

  “No, they’re focusing on the prison while ignoring small ships and the planet.”

  The AI steered the shuttle into a debris field and then powered down. There was nothing left to do but wait.

  Tha-lah woke up hours later a bit disoriented. It took a moment to remember where she was. This was her shuttle, and she’d just left the station when it had come under fire. She sat up with a start. Were her friends alive?

  “AI, update, please.”

  “Partial communications have been restored.”

  Pra’mm was back online, goddess be praised.

  “Give me a full report, please.”

  “Pra’mm suffered a dozen casualties, none on the planet, over ten thousand at the prison and mounting.”

  “Would it be safe to open a commlink to Dal’vyaa’s house?”

  Tha-lah feared for her dear friends. They had guards that weren’t trained in the art of combat. Just some muscle mistress had hired through the years. While extremely loyal to her, they lacked the training of Pendo’rahn or Trac’xian military.

  “Tha-lah, are y
ou faring, good daughter?” Even in the face of danger Dal’vyaa’s concern was for her.

  “Yes, I took cover among some of the rubble. Dal’vyaa, is everyone unharmed?” She no longer addressed the other woman as “mistress” since she was free.

  “We hid in the secret chamber until it was all clear. Everyone’s fine.”

  “I wanted to go back to K’luk and offer my help.”

  “You don’t need to. Full communication was reestablished, and Protectorate reinforcements are on their way.”

  “What of the prison? What’s become of them?” Tha-lah showed compassion, even for the hardened criminals. The goddess spark was within every living creature.

  “The elite warriors arrived shortly after the assault began. I heard most of the prisoners offered no resistance. In fact, they were glad to see them. Now it’s just a matter of time before the Toq’ma’lal returns.”

  “If that’s the case, then I’ll reset my heading for Glaxia Prime.”

  “You should be safe to travel, Tha-lah. May the goddess shadow your journey.”

  “Thank you, friend. In her wisdom, we all thrive.”

  Tha-lah ordered the AI to resume the course for Glaxia Prime. Thank the goddess her friends were spared.

  “I am picking up a faint life signal. It is coming from a pod two hundred miles from our current position.”

  “Can we get closer and bring it on board?” Whoever was inside was from the prison. It didn’t matter one way or the other. Her duty was to help.

  “Yes, but as your AI, I must warn you this action might put you in harm’s way. The occupant could be a violent criminal.”

  “Can you identify the species?” Not all prisoners were violent criminals. The prison was divided into sectors, depending on the type of crime. Some areas housed petty thieves, techno pirates, etc.

  “Negative. There is a lot of interference in the area.”

  “Open the bay door. That’s an order.” She couldn’t ignore her responsibility. Even the most fearsome enemy merited assistance. The goddess demanded infinite compassion and love.

  “Pod has been successfully recovered. Life signs inside still faint.”

  “On my way. Bring the hover bed online. Try to find the encryption to unlock the door. If you’re unable to, get ready to blast it open. I might have to use my supply of gly-urq, but I can’t allow anyone to suffer.” Tha-lah said a silent prayer, asking for strength. She had no weapons to defend herself.

  After several minutes, the AI successfully unlocked the pod’s door. Tha-lah’s initial shock had worn off, leaving her with a lot of questions. The passenger inside was a Pendo’rahn elite warrior, judging by his torn uniform. Most surprising yet, according to the AI, his wound perfectly matched the ro’traal beside him. Someone had run him through with his own weapon, but whom?

  After removing the patch of old gly-urq, she poured her own stash over him. She lingered her hands over the hard planes of his chest.

  “Vital signs are now stable.”

  She blinked, looking around, feeling guilty for indulging in such frivolity. “Activate field and continue monitoring his signs.”

  The field would keep the gel and him in place. She roamed her gaze up and down his fit body, taking in the length of his manhood. This was a warrior’s body, trained and honed from childhood to protect the galaxies.

  A slight stirring spread from her breasts to her core. Her insides tightened reflexively just from looking at him. Tha-lah gasped, surprised at her own reaction. She’d been with countless males, given pleasure to many. Never had she responded with such desire. Goddess help her, he was dangerous. Even unconscious, his face was troubled. Who are you, my dear broken warrior?

  Chapter Five

  Wandering Priestess Tha-lah

  There was no pain in death just cold and numbness. His only regret was leaving his family to face the shame of his actions. How could he have been so blind?

  “Oh, I see you’re awake.”

  He blinked, trying to adjust his eyes to the harsh glare of the lights. A warm hand touched his brow in a soothing caress.

  “I can’t move or feel anything.” His voice was hoarse, likely because he suffered smoke inhalation.

  “I apologize for the restraining field,” a soft female voice responded, “but it was a necessary precaution. You were badly wounded.”

  Groo’lat turned, following the sound of her voice. Her face came slowly into focus.

  A Trac’xian female smiled down at him. She was very beautiful with the large round eyes common of her kind. Her irises weren’t the typical single color, but multicolor, signaling her as a member of a higher cast. Her nose was small and flatter than a Pendo’rahn’s. Her hair was short, outlining her face, and had several shades of browns and orange in it.

  “Release me at once. You’ve no right to hold me like this.” He tried in vain to free himself.

  “As I said before, warrior, the field is necessary to help in your recovery.”

  “How long have I been incapacitated?” He couldn’t remember anything beyond the point when he’d entered the pod and then set a course for Pra’mm.

  “We, my AI and I, found you yesterday on the brink of death.”

  “Where exactly are we?” She must’ve been right in the middle of it. How had she survived?

  “We’re in my shuttle on the outskirts of the A’tor system,” she replied softly.

  “Why didn’t you immediately return me to my people?” She might not be working alone. For all he knew she could be a spy working with the Kreeh-nosh.

  “The area was swarming with Jog’nafans. We couldn’t waste time. After my AI had detected your wound, I thought it best to take you to safety. I wasn’t sure if you’d survive, but I had to try before calling for help.” The words tumbled out in rapid succession as she described how close he’d come to dying.

  “Deactivate the field. I’m taking over this ship.” Groo’lat didn’t have time to dance around. The Kreeh-nosh had a two-day head start on him. He had to find a fast ship and catch up with them.

  “I will, but don’t do anything reckless or you’ll re-open your wound.”

  He landed on his feet as soon as the field was gone. “AI, under Protectorate wartime law, I’m hereby seizing control of all your functions.”

  He menacingly towered over her. She took a step back, seeming surprised by his sudden outburst. Groo’lat groaned inwardly, noticing her robes for the first time. She was a Trac’xian priestess.

  “I am afraid I cannot obey that order.”

  It was impossible for a ship’s AI to disobey a direct order from a Protectorate warrior. All Protectorate planets programmed their AIs with a special wartime clause. Any warrior could potentially take over any craft with a simple command.

  “This isn’t an ordinary shuttle, warrior.”

  He scanned the room, taking in every detail. It looked like an outdated model, maybe four or five years old.

  “Priestess, you’ll order your AI to turn over command controls this instant.”

  “Tha-lah.” Came her soft reply.

  “Excuse me?” He frowned, leaning closer.

  “My name is Tha-lah. From now on you may call me by my name,” she said, calmly staring at him.

  “As you wish, Tha-lah. I’m an elite warrior, Groo’lat,” he explained patiently. “I’ll return your ship as soon as my mission is over. The life of my commanding officer is at stake. I’ll find you a safe place when we get to Quiinlyx.”

  His list of transgressions kept growing, but it was unavoidable. He couldn’t take her with him, so in a sense he was stealing her ship. Groo’lat felt like a worthless piece of heqriu’l crap, but what choice did he have?

  “Really, you think you can take control of this ship and leave me behind?” Her nose twitched, and he resisted the urged to rub his finger against it. She was breathtaking. He missed being with a soft female. “It’s the goddess’ will that we take this journey together.”

  “
The goddess must be mistaken. I can’t allow you to become entangled in this. It’s too dangerous.”

  The place he was headed to was one of the worst in the galaxies. Only the dredges of society ventured there. He wasn’t coming out of that alive, so he couldn’t risk someone as delicate as she.

  “Allow? I’m a Protectorate free citizen and a priestess. You don’t have a say in what I do.”

  Had he heard correctly? Had she actually challenged him? “I do. In military matters, I make all the decisions. There’s nothing you can do, Priestess Tha-lah,” he said, backing her up against the wall and then caging her between his arms.

  “Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong, warrior. You see,” she paused dramatically, “I’m a wandering priestess.”

  He closed his eyes, avoiding her amused stare. Of all the people in the galaxies, she was the only one exempted from the law. Technically, Groo’lat wasn’t on board a ship. He was inside a temple. Frackk him.

  Groo’lat had no other choice but to grudgingly agree to her terms. Tha-lah wouldn’t relinquish complete control, but agreed to share command. He’d never met such an outspoken Trac’xian female.

  Usually, they assumed a submissive role. He found himself thinking if things were different, he might try to seduce her. Their verbal sparring stirred some basic urges. Having his cock inside that argumentative mouth would surely silence her.

  “Tread carefully, priestess. You don’t want to cross me,” he breathed, his face barely an inch away from hers. The show of force failed when she rested her hands against his chest, spreading her fingers. Groo’lat pushed away, confused by the sudden need to take her.

  That could never happen again. He refused to give another female that much power over him. Luckily, she was a frackking priestess. If not, he might offer her a contract she might never forget. Groo’lat was no slacker with females. Sometimes he sparred with five of them. Elite warriors loved combat and sex.